Rotating Seal Circulation Unit for Continuous Drilling Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling technologies face challenges in maintaining continuous rotation of the drill string during pipe extension, leading to increased risk of pipe sticking and reduced drilling productivity, as well as requiring intervention in the fluid chamber for adjusting power tongs to different pipe dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A circulation unit with rotatable sealing elements and a packer assembly that allows continuous drilling fluid circulation and rotation of the drill string, with the circulation unit and rotary units being vertically displaceable along guide tracks, enabling independent movement and maintaining fluid-tight connections without direct integration with the fluid chamber, thus allowing for seamless pipe extension and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pipe string is extended by stopping rotation and using a power tong in the fluid chamber, then the pipe connection can be made, but the pipe-string rotation ceases increasing the risk of sticking and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional units: a circulation unit for fluid supply, a rotary unit for continuous rotation, and a separate power tong unit for pipe connection. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its function independently, enabling continuous rotation to be maintained while pipe extension operations are performed through the fluid-tight seal.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid-tight seal acts as an intermediary between the circulation unit and the rotary unit, allowing mechanical power and rotation to be transmitted while maintaining fluid pressure containment. This intermediary enables the power tong to operate outside the fluid chamber while still connecting pipes within the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power tong is enclosed in the fluid chamber for pipe connection, then the pipe string can be extended, but adjustment of the power tong to different pipe dimensions requires intervention in the fluid chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The power tong unit is extracted from the fluid chamber and positioned externally. This allows the power tong to be adjusted, maintained, and adapted to different pipe dimensions without requiring intervention inside the pressurized fluid chamber, significantly reducing operational complexity and improving adaptability.
3Productivity
If the rotary-drive unit is directly connected to the fluid chamber, then continuous rotation can be maintained, but the power tong must be enclosed in the fluid chamber increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the rotary-drive unit from the fluid chamber, connecting them only through a fluid-tight seal. This segmentation allows the rotary unit to maintain continuous rotation while the power tong operates externally, eliminating the need to enclose the power tong in the fluid chamber and reducing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the operation and maintenance of drilling fluid circulation by keeping all rotation and hanging-off elements outside the circulation unit, allowing for adjustments without interrupting the fluid circulation, enhancing flexibility and reducing the risk of pipe sticking, while maintaining continuous drilling fluid supply.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing elements are provided with a centre opening which, by the expansion of said sealing elements, is closable or fits tightly against the pipe
Implementation Method 2
The packer assembly is typically so-called wash-pipe seals which maintain their sealing function also when the packer pipe is rotating and the drilling fluid is under high pressure
Implementation Method 3
A circulation unit is arranged between upper and lower rotary units, the circulation unit and the rotary units being vertically displaceable along a guide track
Data Source
AI summary
A circulation unit is for an arrangement arranged to continuously circulate drilling fluid during drilling. A housing is provided with a center bore which is defined by upper and lower annular sealing elements which are rotatably supported in the housing. The sealing elements are provided with a center opening which, by the expansion of said sealing elements, is closable or fits tightly against a pipe. A gate valve in a closed state forms a fluid-tight partition between upper and lower chambers in the housing. Each of the sealing elements is connected in a fluid-tight manner to a rotatable packer pipe surrounded by a packer assembly that fits tightly against the circumference of the packer pipe and against the housing. An arrangement is for the continuous circulation of drilling fluid during drilling, including as circulation unit arranged between upper and lower rotary units.